Finance Manager (12-month Maternity Leave Cover)

About Us

Laings, currently in the hands of the sixth generation of the Laing family, is a luxury destination for jewellery and watches. With over 180 years of heritage, Laings has grown to be known as a leading luxury family jeweller, with four locations – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Southampton and Cardiff.

Today, Laings offers an expertly curated selection of fine jewellery and watches from some of the world’s most prestigious brands, as well as bespoke design and services by the team’s master goldsmiths and jewellery designers. Through the passion we have for our industry and commitment to luxury customer service, we create unforgettable experiences for our clients and capture their imaginations whenever they enter our world.

Our Culture

The Laings culture is one of mutual trust, respect and honesty. Our staff strive to be the best in the business and our aim is to provide our customers with an unforgettable, luxurious experience whatever the occasion may be.

Your New Role

We are seeking to appoint a full-time experienced Finance Manager based in our Glasgow Head Office to cover a 12-month maternity leave cover contract. You will be valued for your skills and passion to join our broader Finance team at an exciting time for the business and department, as we look to expand and drive forward. You will be involved in a variety of areas within the finance function, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, KPI reporting and month-end processes. Our office hours are 37.5 hours weekly, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.30pm daily.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist with preparation and review for the audit of the company’s financial statements.
• Preparation of monthly borrowing base certificate for submission to the company’s bankers.
• Providing stores and departments with individual P&L with commentary.
• Review of the company VAT submission and reconciliation.
• Complete monthly and ad hoc company surveys.
• Second review of proposed weekly and month-end payment runs and ad hoc payments, provide feedback to the team.
• Final approval and authorisation on the bank of the agreed weekly and monthly payment runs and ad hoc payments.
• Maintain and identify training needs for the Finance department.
• Review and maintain company policy documents. Work with relevant departments to develop new policies as required.
• Review Flash Accounts with commentary for distribution.
• Prepare first draft of budgets and submit to Finance Director.
• Oversee company cost control, working with the Finance team to provide reporting to relevant departments. Meeting with departments and holding them accountable.
• Review Payroll along with Finance Director.
• Post payroll journal and reconcile control accounts monthly.
• Review of select journals posted by the Finance Supervisor.
• Review monthly Management Accounts, review commentary prepared by Finance Supervisor.
• Look after KPL, TRM & LGH companies.
• Work with store manager to review sales targets on a monthly basis.
• Host monthly Senior Finance Assistant and Finance Supervisor one-to-ones.
• Complete and review daily cashflow and ensure projection is up to date and accurate.
• Point of contact along with Finance Director for stores regarding concerns over GDPR and potential Ethical issues.
• Point of contact for company colleagues seeking guidance or authorisation for queries out with normal day to day practice.

Person Specification

• Degree in Accounting or similar preferred
• Suitable for a candidate currently working towards a qualification (ACCA, CIMA etc) but not essential.
• Previous experience in a similar role is desirable, however candidates who can demonstrate drive and ability to develop into the role will be considered.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to be pro-active and flexible to the changing needs of the business.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver to deadlines.

What we will offer you

From unrivalled industry training to discounts on some of the UK’s leading retailers, Laings has built our approach to benefits around the needs of our employees to ensure their happiness, health and wellbeing – in and outside of work. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer who encourages candidates from a wide range of backgrounds. We offer a competitive salary and rewards package, complemented with a range of fantastic benefits including healthcare & dental plans, wellbeing support, pension, health club discounts, 28 days holiday, and a generous employee discount scheme.